Separates w/internal phono vs Integrated + phono

Thanks, jmcgrogan2

Curious what integrates you considered and what you settled with? I understand the phono options with my front end, the tt manufacture and us distributor recommend the Tron phono for the tt and xv-1s.

@Jmcgrogan2, what are you running these days? It seems like I recall you being into VAC?

I currently own a Cary SLP-98P F1 w/ MC phono stage, which I use with my VPI table/Dynavector XX-2 mk II cartridge. Amplifier is a Coda Model 11, 100 wpc of Class A solid state. This is after much downsizing, at my peak a few years back I was using a ARC Ref 3 preamp, BAT VK-75SE amp with mods from Bob Backert and a Klyne 7PX5.0 phono stage.

During the downsizing, I owned a VAC Avatar Super for a couple of years. The VAC came amazingly close to the sound of my best separates, and my current setup is not as good. Which is why I am considering selling my separates and looking to go back to a tube integrated amp at this time.

Been doing some reading on the net and the VAC Avatar Super and Rega Osiris sound like outstanding integrated amps and trounced many high end separates. Anyone heard the Acoustic Arts Power I? Any other contenders?

I owned the VAC Avatar Super as well, it is indeed excellent. The new VAC integrated which I auditioned is very nice as well but more expensive at around $10K. I now have shindo separates which outperform the VAC (in many but not all ways) but I think that it's more likely related to system matching and synergy rather than separate vs. integrated.